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| Mercury Contamination Closes San Diego Area School |
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A classroom accident resulting in mercury contamination closed San Diego area high school for two days this week. Calexico High School in Imperial County had to be closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday after school officials discovered that a blood pressure cuff that had been damaged by students late last week had released toxic amounts of mercury into some areas of the school. The incident actually occurred on Jan. 29 when a group of students managed to somehow pop the cuff of a blood pressure monitor (they were not supposed to be using) and failed to report the incident. A faculty member overheard students discussing the incident late Friday and reported it to the principal and Imperial County health officials finally gained wind of the problem Monday.After consultations with health officials from the EPA and the Department of Toxic Substances Control the campus was closed. Mercury becomes liquid at room temperature, disperses into smaller droplets that move easily and can stick to shoes, clothing or skin. Exposure to mercury can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and the immune system, especially in young children.Late yesterday federal, state, and county health officials deemed the school safe enough for students to return to classes. More than a dozen class rooms and other areas that experienced particularly high levels of contamination will remain closed. As of Wednesday health officials had tested sixty-five students who may have been exposed to mercury. Screens will likely continue for several days. |
